Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is reminding the public about the importance of safety measures following a house fire.
A Swindon turntable ladder was among the appliances called
Working smoke alarms, an escape plan and the dangers of smoking are being highlighted.
A turntable ladder from Swindon joined appliances from Melksham, Calne and Devizes at what is described as a serious house fire in Devizes on 12 April.
At about 6.15pm, firefighters were called to reports of a property fire in Hambleton Avenue. On arrival, they found a significant fire affecting the roof and upper floor of the house.
Four breathing apparatus wearers, two hose reels and one main line were used to extinguish the fire, and the aerial ladder platform was used to strip tiles from the roof of the property to check for fire spread.
Station Manager Dave Geddes, fire investigation officer for the incident, said: “The family inside the property had a really lucky escape. Unfortunately, smoke alarms inside the house did not activate, but they were all able to escape.
"Incidents of this nature remind us of the importance of working and well-maintained smoke alarms that are tested regularly. A smoke alarm will provide an early warning to a fire, giving you vital time to put an escape plan into action.
“The investigation into the cause of this fire is still underway, but we believe smoking materials were being used in the property at the time of the fire.
"I would like to take this opportunity to remind residents that smoking can be extremely dangerous. The best way of protecting yourself and others in your home from this risk is to give up smoking altogether; failing that, only ever smoke outside.
"If you have to smoke indoors, remember to ‘put it out – right out.'”
Firefighters remained on scene until 9.05pm to ensure the fire was extinguished and the property was as safe as possible. Damage to the property is significant.
The service is visiting other homes in the area to distribute home fire safety information.
Advice about staying safe from the causes of fire in the home, installing smoke alarms and contacting DWFRS about a Safe & Well visit can also be found at www.dwfire.org.uk
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